Species: There are several species of eels found in the Hope Spot, including the Snowflake Eel Echidna nebulosa (pictured and described here). Other species include White-eyed Moray Gymnothorax thyrsoideus, Stout or Abbott’s Moray Gymnothorax eurostus, Tiger Snake Eel Myrichthys maculosus, Green Moray Gymnothorax prasinus, Highfin Moray Gymnothorax pseudothyrsoideus, Barred Moray Echidna polyzona, Undulated Moray Gymnothorax undulatus, Peppered Moray Siderea picta and Sieve-patterned Moray Gymnothorax criborsis. 

IUCN Redlist: Least Concern 

Bundjalung name: Yuruhl (eel)

Characteristics

• Length: Up to 100cm long (but more commonly around 50cm) 

• Colour: White snout with yellow, brown, black and white body made up of a striped and speckled pattern.

• Diet: Primarily crustaceans, sometimes small fish.

• Lifespan: Fifteen years. 

 

Fun Fact

Habitat: Found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, in the tropical waters of Australia. Often found in areas with seagrass as well as rocky reefs, and also possible to spot in tidal pools (look for them at Julian Rocks or Flatrock) 

 

Threats: This is one of the most widely spread and populous moray eel species but like many ocean creatures their habitats and prey species are potentially at risk from human behaviours. Issues such as climate change, pollution, bycatch, overfishing, habitat degradation are threats to these fish and the prey they depend on.